For Immediate Release:
March 4, 2010
Shade Tree's annual spring forum to be held April 14
Topics include gypsy moth spraying, landscaping and
suburban beekeeping
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission will hold its Annual Spring Forum featuring the county's 2010 planned gypsy moth spray program at 7 p.m. on April 14 in the Monmouth County Agriculture Building, 4000 Kozloski Rd.
"Gypsy moths have caused damage to trees on hundreds of acres throughout Monmouth County since it reappeared in 2005," Freeholder John Curley said. "While the gypsy moth problem appears to be declining, the county's Shade Tree Commission has been proactive in this situation by optimizing resources during the three or four week time frame we have to fight the problem."
"This year's program will also focus on suburban beekeeping and landscaping with tips on which shrubbery to plant around your home," said John W. Tobia, director of the county's Department of Public Works & Engineering.
The Spring Forum will include the following topics:
- Monmouth County's 2010 aerial suppression program, and what homeowners can do to control these pests - Brian Gosnell, Monmouth County gypsy moth coordinator.
- Status of gypsy moths in New Jersey - Joseph Zoltowski, Chief, Bureau of Plant, Pest & Disease Control, NJ Department of Agriculture.
- Suburban Beekeeping: Is it safe? How does it benefit the environment? - Tim Schuler, state apiarist, NJ Department of Agriculture.
- Good, Bad and Ugly in foundation planting. This is a fun guide to creating better landscaping around the home - Julie McGowan, vice chairwoman, Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission, certified tree expert and landscape architect.
The Annual Spring Forum is open to Monmouth County residents. Continuing education credits (CEUs) are available for municipalities that participate in the NJ Shade Tree and Community Forestry Assistance Act. Also, individual pesticide license recertification credits are available for ornamental, forest pest control and aerial pest control. For additional information, contact the Shade Tree Commission at 732-431-7903.
There is no charge to attend the forum, but space is limited and advance registration is required by April 12. Register by calling 732-431-7903 or send an email to
dfeigus@co.monmouth.nj.us.
The county's spraying program begins in May when the gypsy moth caterpillars become active.
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